ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) program

• March 31, 2016
• CAP

Summary

Certified Automation Professionals (CAPs) are responsible for the direction, design, and deployment of systems and equipment for manufacturing and control systems.

CAP question

Which of the following security risks is LEAST likely to disrupt operations at a geothermal power plant and result in an emergency situation?

A. connections to the Internet
B. inadvertent network failures
C. email viruses
D. remote access to network components

CAP Answer

The correct answer is C, email viruses. Automation systems are vulnerable to all of these risks, but email viruses pose the least risk to disrupt operations and create an emergency situation. Email is the only item above that is potentially not directly connected to the operating control system. Information technology and other experts should work together to find alternatives that will provide adequate security commensurate with the individual risks identified by the security assessment and security audit processes.

Reference: Trevathan, Vernon L., A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge, Second Edition, ISA, 2006.

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